TALLAHASSEE — It's often been said that it's better to be lucky than good. Saturday afternoon at Bragg Stadium, Florida A&M's defense was both.

For the third consecutive week, the Rattlers' defense was asked to hold an opponent on a last-minute drive. Two weeks ago, the unit failed and Alcorn State won, 17-15.

But just like it did last week in a victory over Southern University, FAMU's defense turned back Central Florida on a goal-line stand to preserve a 19-14 triumph.

In the Southern game, the Rattlers' defense was outstanding. The Jaguars stalled inside FAMU's 1-yard line. Saturday afternoon the Rattlers needed a little more good fortune.

The Knights started their last drive at their 44 with 3:55 left. They worked their way to FAMU's 5. On a first-down play, UCF quarterback Darin Slack hit Don Grayson with a touchdown pass. The play was called back because the Knights were penalized for holding.

Four plays later, Slack threw a pass on second down from the 12 that hit Poe White in the chest. White, who had made a spectacular catch in the third quarter, dropped the ball.

The Rattlers drew a collective sigh of relief.

''That was a very happy moment,'' FAMU linebacker Lamar Glover said.

FAMU's day wasn't over, though. After Slack threw another incomplete pass, the Knights faced a fourth and goal from the 12. Slack rolled out but was unable to escape the rush. He was dropped at the 27 by lineman Brian Brewer and linebacker Winfred Hudson. The defense had passed another test.

''Defense wins games,'' said Brewer, a Jones High graduate. ''That's what the coaching staff has said all season.''

Brewer had 3 1/2 sacks against UCF. Slack was sacked nine times.

Brewer played arguably his best game this year despite FAMU's use of a three-man defensive front. The Rattlers usually rush four. Coach Ken Riley placed linebacker Marcus Boston behind the noseguard and used him on an occasional rush to try to slow the Knights' passing game.

FAMU entered the game with the top pass defense in NCAA I-AA. Though Slack still managed 233 yards passing, he often was chased around the pocket and wound up completing only 15 of 36 attempts.

''We knew we had to pursue the quarterback,'' Boston said. ''The defense played a great game.''

UCF Coach Gene McDowell agreed.

''We couldn't deal with their rush,'' McDowell said. ''A&M played a good football team today and beat them.''

But once again, the Rattlers weren't sure of victory until after the final minute. It's a habit Riley doesn't want to continue.